Idaho food and beverage

We can do MUCH better

Gonzales chickens out

I'm in downtown Boise, where disgraced U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales refused to appear at a scheduled press conference when about 75 more than 100 protesters (including Jean Boyles of Boise, at right) showed up on the east side of the Fort Boise Community Center, where he was supposed to meet the media.

About a half-hour after Gonzales' scheduled 2:30 arrival, someone came out to announce the press conference would instead be held at 4 p.m. at the U.S. Attorney General's office a few blocks away - indoors, away from protesters. A chorus of chicken calls erupted from the gathered throng, who minutes earlier had sung "The Star-Spangled Banner" in defiance of Gonzales' advocacy of politically motivated firings, torture, and domestic spying. But many said they planned to demonstrate outside the Federal Building anyway, and within minutes, several people holding a large "Shame, Shame On You" sign had moved to the new location. (Update 4:30 p.m. Who knew? The U.S. Attorney General's office is not in the Federal Building, as most everyone at Fort Boise assumed, but in the Washington Group International office plaza along Park Boulevard.)

Former 1st District congressional candidate Larry Grant, who plans to run again in 2008, took the podium and told the crowd, "I think he heard you when he didn't come out," adding that "we need a new attorney general" who will stand up to an administration when it advocates for torture.

"We're deeply concerned about America's standing in the world," 2nd District congressional candidate Jim Hansen told the group earlier, as people gathered for Gonzales' arrival. "To start the healing process, we'd welcome him to announce his resignation today."

"I think it's a snub on the people of Idaho," said Bob Nicholas, who arrived at the protest riding a Segway.

Gonzales was in town to discuss anti-gang initiatives and tour the Fort Boise Community Center, which has extensive teen activities to give youth alternatives to gangs. Earlier in the day, Hansen, Grant, and Dan Williams held a press conference to ask for Gonzales' resignation. Greg Hahn wrote on the Idaho Statesmanwebsite, "'I applaud him for being here to talk about gangs,' Grant said, but he added that these good intentions don't shroud the bad influence Gonzales has had on America's image around the world."

Comments

They think they're clever, don't they? They don't even have the courage of their convictions. Because if they did, not a damned one of them would mind AT ALL facing any audience.

Keep in mind ole' Abu isn't much taller than you or me, Julie - so yeah a group of old ladies, a couple of men (who apparently work nights!), and some 12-year-old kids on skateboards were all just too intimidating.

Yes, I've noticed I have the lowest crowd count of anyone. The Statesman said 100+. And it was great to see Larry Grant show up and seize the moment.

Kitt, I agree that Gonzales and his handlers are cowards. I knew five minutes after arriving that there was no way they'd let Gonzo meet the press outside, amid We the People, the people who pay his salary. They ought to be ashamed indeed.

Your wish for the pix has been granted, Jim. I have to run do some stuff, but I will have an updated diary up at Daily Kos later this evening. Thanks for puttiung this together.

Just heard the story on NPR and was amused to hear that they described the songs we sang as anti-war songs! That's great. For the record, the two songs we sang were the Star Spangled Banner and This Land is My Land. The national anthem is an anti-war song.

We also sang "America the Beautiful," one gal did an impressive solo of a Tom Lehrer song (we think it was, can't recall the title), some of us tried a little Political Science (Randy Newman), and Fixin' to Die Rag. Jeanette suggested The Doors' "Back Door Man" as we left the scene, which found its way into my blog headline.

Head on over to www.NewWest.Net/Boise for my account of the press conference, where I was apparently considered "credentialed." (Nobody knows what that means. There is no credentialing body of any kind in Idaho. I think all you need is a string around your neck with a plastic photo of yourself and your business card.)